WELCOME TO THE BISTRO!!And what a week it has been!! I’d like to complain about the weather but since I’m a “glass half full” type of person I’ll revel in the fact that it’s so much better than last year. However, I can’t walk the pups more than a few minutes and the possibilities of riding the big boy Pico is not even possible with temperatures this low. As a rule 20 degrees is the cut-off point for getting in the saddle. It is ok to work the horses “from the ground” meaning doing your work-out on foot with them taking cues from you that they would normally get while on their back. I can liken it to the Horse Whisper School --- a joining up of sorts mentally and physically. I have found that it is a wonderful way to bond with my lovely horse friend. Yesterday we had the arena to ourselves so I let him loose and just started walking. He followed wherever I went for the next 30 minutes. He’s always been a kind horse and seeks his humans – myself obviously, my sister Liz and niece Katie. He knows the minute one of us shuts our car door in the parking lot of the barn and is ready and waiting for his pampering. Another neat thing about the big boy is that the barn cats love him. They are always hanging around his stall, sit on his back (he has a nice warm blanket on) and nuzzle back and forth. It interests me – 10# cat vs. #1400 pound horse. Give Peace A Chance and it Happens!!

As you know tomorrow is Valentines Day. St. Valentine lived in Rome during the rule of Emperor Claudius. Claudius wanted to have the largest army in the world and thought that by making marriage unlawful that he’d get many more young men to join. Fr. Valentine thought this was absurd and continued to secretly marry couples. He was ultimately caught and sentenced to death. While in jail many young people threw flowers into his cell. He was befriended by the prison guard’s daughter who spent many hours visiting with him. On the day of his death, February 14, 269AD, he wrote her a note thanking her and signed it Love Valentine. Valentine is the patron Saint of Love and thus the celebration of his day. Over a billion valentine’s day cards are sent every year. Teachers receive the most. And, many are just signed “Love, Your Valentine” from supposed anonymous admirer’s. We accept All Valentines… anonymous or not!!!

Sharon and crew have spectacular Chalkboard Features for this special weekend including Jumbo Lump Crab and Lobster Cakes; Seared Sea Scallops Presented over Champagne Risotto; Slowly Braised-in-Cola Short Ribs Accompanied by Mashed Sweet Potatoes and Wilted Swiss Chard and Herb Dusted Rainbow Trout served with Lobster Mashers. Our Dessert is Godiva Liqueur Flavored Chocolate Mousse. YUM!!MEALS ON WHEELS PICKED UP ALL THE PET FOOD SO THE PANTRY NEEDS REPLENISHING!!! WE’RE WELL OVER THE 2 TON MARK FOR DONATIONS. THANKS!HAPPY VALENTINES TO ALL OF OUR FRIENDS...BRING YOUR SWEETIE TO LUNCH OR DINNER!!As Always We Look Forward to Seeing You At The Bistro! And Wish You Many Million Dollar Days…XO, Mary